DEFENCEWEB
The United States has announced an $80 million grant to supply four Bell 412EP helicopters to the Zambia Air Force.
Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, made the announcement in mid-September 2023, saying that the grant also covers three years of service, parts and training.
Maj. Gen. Oscar Nyoni, Zambia Air Force deputy commander, said the grant will help the force better support Zambia’s domestic needs, regional security and United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad.
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales said, “The contribution that the general announced today is not just helicopters. It is providing a solution for the Zambian military and the Zambian people.”
Zambia operates a diverse range of helicopters, including six troop transport and assault helicopters delivered between 2015 and 2017. The country is growing its rotary wing fleet, and in February, Zambia ordered two Enstrom 480B helicopters from the U.S. for training pilots and personnel.
The Zambia Air Force has a substantial Bell/Agusta-Bell fleet. In recent years, three Bell/Agusta-Bell 412 helicopters arrived from Italy and South Africa, joining a dozen surviving Agusta-Bell 205s.
In March, Lt. Gen. Colin Barry, Zambia Air Force commander, said the air force had procured a medium utility helicopter, which would be delivered soon for troop movement, search and rescue, disaster relief, and other tasks. The U.S. delivered a secondhand Bell 212 in June. Barry has indicated that another two helicopters also will be acquired.
These will be used for medical support. In January 2023, the air force signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zambia Flying Doctor Services for the provision of aircrew, aircraft, maintenance personnel, and special equipment and services to contribute to health care in far-flung areas. The air force regularly uses its helicopters for disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and medical evacuation, at home and in neighboring countries, for example, in Malawi after flooding.
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